On February 1, 2020, a delegation of four BEEd students accompanied by a faculty chaperone went to Dong Thap University in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam. The delegates were the first students to be sent to Vietnam for student exchange.
The student-participants were:
Mr. Ariel Abarratigue, BEED 4th year (Main campus), Ms. Madelyn Ilao, BEED 4th year (Main campus), Ms. Josefina Gracia Navidad, BEED 4th year (Main campus), and Ms. Angelica Pesito – BEED 4th year (SSU-Paranas Campus). The faculty chaperone was Dr. Laura Boller, BEEd program chair and formerly the Student Teaching Supervisor of the College of Education. The delegates were housed at the Guest house of Dong Thap University.
Ariel Abarratigue, BEEd graduate:
“My experience in Vietnam made a big impact to my life in a way that it made me realize that diversity is not a hindrance for us not to understand each other. English language gives us the chance to connect with foreign people but there is a universal language that bridges us to understand each diversity in every way whether you are a Vietnamese or a Filipino. The experience in Vietnam changed my perspective in life that travelling can gain more knowledge about other people’s culture and adapting some of it makes us a better version of ourselves. It gave me the chance to show the richness of our culture and being a Filipino is something to be proud of.”
Madelyn Violin Ilao, BEEd graduate:
“Sometimes, an opportunity just only comes once, this is the reason why I grabbed this Students’ Exchange Program in Vietnam without hesitation. Vietnam is a beautiful place with big-hearted people. They were so generous and hospitable, and my journey there became more memorable because of them. Despite of our differences in language, beliefs, practices, and personality, we became one, like a family. This journey has a big impact to my life, I became more confident, in a way that unlike before, I was so hesitant to try many things because there is a doubt in myself, there’s always a question “Can I do this?” But, this journey made me realized that we should not limit our ability to do things, before we say no, we must give first a try. We will not discover the better version of ourselves if we are afraid to try, and sometimes we missed a big opportunity because we’re scared to fail. Lastly, the most important is to trust our Almighty Father. For He knows what is better for us, and His plan is better than ours.”
Josefina Navidad, BEEd graduate:
“The year 2020 wasn’t really a great year for everyone. In fact, most people would even call it the worst year of the century. But despite that, I wouldn’t say it was all bad. After all, the year 2020 was the year I met other amazing people from the beautiful land of Vietnam. Going to Vietnam for the short exchange student program was memorable and a beautiful experience. With the short amount of time, I would say that some aspects of my life did change.
Back then I was so naïve. Always scared of the unknown. But after going to Vietnam, experiencing a different culture, and meeting new people, opened new possibilities and opportunities. One, I was an introvert but I was able to slowly open and extend my social circle. Second, I have never been away from my family and with that, I was even skeptical about joining the exchange student program back then. But going there made me realize that I can actually live alone and that I must learn to live alone. Lastly, working abroad was imprinted in my mind. With such a beautiful experience, I think it is only right and just to keep and treasure all those memories. I still keep pictures with me. I would sometimes share my experience back in Vietnam with my family and friends.”
